Check here for a list of common CB questions and answers.
Q: Do I need a license to use a CB?
A: Interestingly the answer is yes and no. While originally Citizens Band Radios required licensing, widespread availability and use were simply too much for the FCC to manage. Rules were changed in the early 80s that kept the licensing requirements, however if operator is using a CB radio at the legal output limit of 4W the operator’s license is implied, essentially removing the requirement of obtaining one through the FCC.
Q: How far does a CB Transmit?
A: The distance a CB can transmit depends on several factors. Radio power, antenna type, tuning and environment. The distance can range from several feet to several thousand miles. Radio output power is limited to 4 watts carrier output. With a quality antenna properly installed and grounded above the roof line of your vehicle tuned to a quality radio you can get the most out of your setup.
Q: How much power can I upgrade my CB to?
A: The short answer is you can’t. Per FCC regulations CB output power is limited to 4 watts carrier output in AM and FM and 12 Watts output in Single Side Band (SSB). SSB is an AM signal with one side band removed which essentially cuts the output in half. Anything above this is considered a violation of FCC regulations and subject to a fine of $15,000 per offense.
Q: What is the best CB I can buy?
A: This is a subjective question we often get and the truth is almost all CBs are the same in terms of transmission quality. Best to shop around for the options you want as all Consumer CB radios are limited to 4 watts and AM technology really hasn’t changed since the 70’s.
Q: What type of antenna should I get?
A: There are many types of antenna to suit a variety of applications. Each have their merits depending on what you are mounting your antenna to. The most reliable we have found is the simple steel whip antenna with a loaded base (to reduce the height) using an NMO style mount.
NMO or New Motorola mounts are generally considered the best type to use when drilling thru the roof of a vehicle. They are self sealing mounts that provide a good mounting option for multiple radio applications.
Mirror Mounts, fender mounts, and trunk mounts are permanent mounts that do not require drilling into the body of your vehicle (other than the mount itself) and generally can use existing holes in the vehicles firewall or rear seat to run cable.
Magnetic mounts are great if you wish to use a radio on a temporary basis and do not want to permanently install a radio in your vehicle.
No-Ground Plane or NGP antennas are intended for RVs and Marine vehicles that have no ground plane. A ground plane is required for a radio to transmit effectively and without it your radio will have little to no performance. NGP kits are a special kind of antenna and cable that use a counterpoise built into the kit that allows the radio to function without a proper ground plane. They are about 15%-20% less effective than traditional ground plane antennas.